AN UPDATED OVERVIEW ON PEPPERMINT (MENTHA PIPERITA L.)

Abstract

Mentha piperita L. (Family: Lamiaceae; Synonym: M. balsamea Wild; commonly known as peppermint) is a natural hybrid (M. aquatica ×

1. spicata) with immense therapeutic uses (oldest known medicinal plant species, “medicinal plant of the year 2004”, known as “heirba Buena” meaning good herb) apart from possessing other potential uses (as flavoring agent from chewing gum to after dinner mints, in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products). The plant species is a perennial herb, propagating through stolons and yield peppermint oil (extremely used of all the volatile oils) of commerce (used parts: leaf, whole plant). Considering the essentiality of M. piperita an overview is conducted involving nearly all aspects to provide unabridged repository of references to present and future researchers for effective exploration of the species in human health benefits and commerce.
2.